What do Rome and New Orleans have in common? After destruction they rose again—from the ashes and the floodwaters, respectively. And, on the culinary front, there seems to be a connection between scriblita, the fried dough enjoyed by ancient Romans, and the beignet, a staple of Cajun cuisine and Louisiana’s (holeless) state donut.

Traditionally made of yeast-free choux pastry, these tasty pillows are proudly #friednotbaked, and smothered in powdered sugar when hot. Needless to say, they’re not Paleo-friendly treats, but they are a symbol, however small and mess-making, of endurance. Having been introduced to the area by French settlers in the seventeenth century, they’re still drawing crowds at places such as Café Du Monde in the French Quarter, and Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square where Mickey-shaped beignets, some pumpkin-flavored, are served.